Heathrow Airport will increase its drop-off charge for “kiss and fly” services by 16% starting January 1. The current fee of £6 will rise to £7, and a 10-minute maximum stay rule will be enforced, with a potential £80 penalty for exceeding the time limit.
According to a spokesperson from the airport, this adjustment aligns Heathrow’s Terminal drop-off charge with other major UK airports, aiming to reduce congestion, promote the use of public transportation, and maintain the intended use of forecourts. Despite the price hike and time restriction, free drop-off and pick-up options are still accessible at all terminals through Park & Ride car parks.
Travel expert Guy Hobbs from consumer group Which? expressed concerns about the added stress and costs for travelers due to the new pricing structure at Heathrow. However, he mentioned the availability of free drop-off facilities at alternative long-stay car parks across major UK airports.
Heathrow reported that 95% of passengers complete their drop-offs within the allotted 10 minutes, emphasizing that the time limit aims to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. The airport justified the drop-off fee as part of its strategy to invest in sustainable transport initiatives and encourage environmentally friendly travel choices.
Heathrow’s website highlights the convenience of its drop-off zones located directly outside each terminal for quick and easy passenger transfers. Payment options include single drop-offs or pre-paid multiple drop-offs online or by phone, with fees due by midnight the following day and no on-site payment facilities provided.
Recent financial results indicated a 2% revenue increase to £2.7 billion in the first nine months of 2025 for Heathrow, driven by long-haul flights and growing premium service demand. Although profits slightly decreased by 0.2%, they remained substantial at £1.5 billion.
In contrast to many UK airports, Heathrow’s drop-off area excludes passenger pick-ups but offers parking options with minimal charges for 30 minutes. The price surge follows a trend observed by the RAC in July, reporting that over half of the busiest UK airports raised their drop-off fees this year, with some airports increasing charges for brief stops by up to a third.
While UK drivers face escalating costs and potential penalties for non-payment, most European airports provide free drop-off services, according to the RAC. Among the top 20 airports by passenger volume in 2024, 11 had raised their prices compared to the previous year, with the most significant increase observed at Belfast City Airport, where charges surged by a third to £4 for a 10-minute stop. London Luton and Manchester were highlighted as the most expensive airports on a cost-per-minute basis, charging £5 for a five-minute drop-off.